Journal Act 1.3 and 1.4

     In Act 1, Scene 3 a conversation takes place between Ophelia, Laertes, and Polonius. The majority of the conversation is about Ophelia and her interest toward Hamlet. However, Ophelia's brother Laertes and her father, Polonius are not too thrilled about it and advise her against growing stronger feelings for Hamlet. Laertes warns her first by saying, "For he himself is subject to his birth. He may not, as unvalued persons do, Carve for himself; for on his choice depends the safety and health oh this whole state.." (I.3.18-21). Here, Laertes is explaining that Hamlet can not make decisions the way others usually do: based on his own wants and desires. Hamlet has to consider what is best for the whole country. Then Laertes also says, "Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open to his unmastered importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister, and keep you in the rear of your affection, out of the shot and danger of desire" (I.3.31-35). In saying this, Laertes is implying that Hamlet is greedy and deceitful. He is warning his Ophelia to guard her heart and not to become a target for Hamlet to shoot his lust at. 

       Concerning Ophelia's father, Polonius, he strongly disagrees in her interest in Hamlet. His advice is short and simple, compared to Laertes. On the other hand, it is more a command than advice that Polonius gives. He says, "Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers, not of that dye which their investments show, but mere implorators of unholy suits, breathing like sanctified and pious bonds, the better to beguile. This is for all: I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth have you so slander any moment leisure as to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet" (1.3. 127-134). Polonius is telling his daughter that Hamlet's interest in her is not true and that she should not believe his vows of love toward her. He ends the conversation with a strict command to not associate with Hamlet any longer. 

      In Act 1 Scene 4, Hamlet goes with Horatio and Marcellus to their guard duty to see if the ghost appears. When the ghost does happen to appear, the ghost signals Hamlet to follow it. Hamlet is very willing to do so but Horatio strongly advises him not to go. I think this is mostly because he cares about Hamlet and he is worried that the ghost will "tempt [Hamlet] toward the flood...or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o'er his base into the sea, and there assume some other horrible form, which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into madness?" (1.4. 69-74). Horatio does not want Hamlet to follow the ghost because he is afraid something bad will happen to him.